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From Town Tools. For the current version, visit https://www.towntools.org/leavenworth-washington-us/chains-and-passes
The only fast way west out of Leavenworth is over Stevens Pass on US-2, and the winter detour to I-90 climbs Blewett Pass on US-97. This page shows WSDOT's own report for each summit right now — whether it's open, whether traction tires are advised, whether chains are required, and whether it's closed — in plain words. It is the official restriction, not a forecast: for the snow outlook over the summits see "Snow on the Passes," and for neighbour reports on US-2 through Tumwater Canyon near town see "Is US-2 Open?"
When chains are required
Washington's winter rules: "Traction Tires Advised" means carry chains; "Chains Required" means all vehicles must carry them and, where signed, install them — except AWD/4WD vehicles under 10,000 lb on approved traction tires, which must still carry chains. Studded tires and approved traction tires count where allowed. Fines apply for driving a restricted pass without them.
Right now
No restrictions on Stevens Pass (US-2, west to Everett)
summit elevation 4,061 ft
The direct route west over the Cascades toward Everett and Seattle. When Stevens is restricted or closed, the only paved alternative is the long way round on US-97 over Blewett to I-90.
Restrictions
Eastbound: No restrictions
Westbound: No restrictions
Road condition
Reports have ended for this season. Traditionally weather and road conditions are reported on this page from November 1 to April 1. Should adverse weather occur that will impact travel, updates will be provided as information is available.
When WSDOT posts "Chains Required," chains must be carried and, when signed, installed on all vehicles except all-wheel/four-wheel drive under 10,000 lb running approved traction tires. "Traction Tires Advised" means carry chains and be ready to put them on.
WSDOT updated Sep 13, 11:40 PM. WSDOT — Stevens Pass — the official pass report and cameras
Right now
No restrictions on Blewett Pass (US-97, south to I-90)
summit elevation 4,102 ft · 38°F
The winter detour south to I-90 and Ellensburg, and the freight route when US-2 is shut. Passenger cars often take the lower Chumstick Highway (SR-209) to Cashmere instead of Blewett.
Restrictions
Northbound: No restrictions
Southbound: No restrictions
Road condition
Reports have ended for this season. Traditionally weather and road conditions are reported on this page from November 1 to April 1. Should adverse weather occur that will impact travel, updates will be provided as information is available.
WSDOT updated Sep 13, 11:42 PM. WSDOT — Blewett Pass — the official pass report and cameras
Right now
No restrictions on Snoqualmie Pass (I-90, the cross-state route)
summit elevation 3,022 ft
The main cross-state interstate, reached from Leavenworth via US-97 over Blewett. It's the busiest winter closure point in the state, so check it before committing to the I-90 detour.
Restrictions
Eastbound: No restrictions
Westbound: No restrictions
Road condition
Traditionally weather and road conditions are reported on this page from November 1 to April 1. Should adverse weather occur that will impact travel, updates will be provided as information is available.
Weather at the summit
Travel impacts will be updated here if conditions cause delays of an hour or more. For other cross-state travel conditions, check WSDOT's real-time travel map.
WSDOT updated Oct 10, 7:53 PM. WSDOT — Snoqualmie Pass — the official pass report and cameras
Live · . Pass reports from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Mountain Pass Conditions. Not for navigational use.
Who decides
WSDOT opens, restricts and closes these passes, and clears them. It reports the passes roughly November through April and posts adverse-weather updates in between; outside that window a pass shows "No restrictions" with a note that seasonal reports have ended.
This page reports WSDOT’s own pass restriction — it never declares a pass safe to drive, and it is not for navigational use. Restrictions can change fast in a storm; WSDOT’s real-time map and 511 are the authority, and a closure can happen before a report catches up.
The Tumwater Canyon stretch is separate from the passes
US-2 through Tumwater Canyon just west of town — the stretch that flooded and closed for about two months from December 2025 and reopened to two-way traffic on 10 February 2026 — is below the pass summit, not on the WSDOT pass report. Watch it on the US-2 alerts link above and on the neighbour-reported "Is US-2 Open?" board. Permanent repaving there is planned from June 2026 and may bring more closures.
If Stevens Pass closes, the paved way west is US-97 south over Blewett to I-90, then west over Snoqualmie — a long way that depends on two more passes being open, which is why all three are on this page. Passenger cars heading to Wenatchee or Cashmere use the lower Chumstick Highway (SR-209); freight uses US-97 over Blewett.
No restrictions — Stevens Pass (US-2, west to Everett)